Ask Around.

Introduction
Columbia. Honestly, when you visit this school, you have to talk to people here and ask them questions about whatever's important to you. Get a feel for the people, too. They don't all have to be the type of people you're around at home, but see if this is a place you'd like to spend your time at. I think Columbia really has every type of kid to offer you - pretentious Polo Ralph Lauren models, cowboys, crackheads- you really just have to find your niche.

Campus Life and Social Life
Social life is what you make of it. If you like frat-partying and don't have exactly the highest standards for it, then you'll enjoy the (limited) frats. If you like partying downtown, then...well, find people and go downtown. Workload often gets in the way and I know that while my friends in state schools party 3-4 times a week, for me it's more like once a week...but that one time will always be tons of fun. Advertisement
Academics
Academics: think lots of work. LOTS of work! But if you got in, it stands to reason that you can deal with it. Professors aren't the most accesible, but if you really needed to, I'm sure you could get help from them or someone else in their department. There are a lot of resources for help if you can just find the time and the motivation to go. I thought they'd just assume we're all good and can do it on our own, but there actually are help-rooms and free tutors available. The large size of the university allows for relationships between graduate and undergraduates too, which is nice.

Student Body
The student body is made up of all different types of students! It's all about finding your crowd. They may not be your suitemates or your floormates, but keep your eyes open, make friends in classes, and it will be fine.

In Closing...
If you value partying over education, then Columbia might not be the right place for you. If you set them as equally important, or if you prefer your education over partying, it very well may be...